Summer hits DC, and suddenly everyone's talking about pickleball. Have you noticed?
It’s almost become the city’s unofficial summer sport! Friends, coworkers, even your parents are swapping stories about rallies and serves. And honestly, who can blame them? There's something special about a DC summer that inspires everyone to explore outdoors, get active, and find fresh, fun ways to experience the city together.
If you haven't jumped in yet, pickleball is your next great summer adventure. And we just happen to have a secret hack to becoming MVP: Cold Brew. Picture this: the group chat is buzzing with excitement as you lock down court times and arrange meet-ups at the Metro. Everyone’s on their way for an epic day of pickleball, and then they see their new most valuable player (that's you!) holding Compass Cold Brews for everyone. Instant hero status, achieved. Cool, refreshing, and energizing, your coffee run sets the perfect tone for an awesome day of friendly competition and energized rallies.
At Compass Coffee, we're all about keeping your summer days energized and memorable. To help you out, we've rounded up the ultimate guide to some of the best pickleball spots in DC and Northern Virginia, all conveniently close to your favorite Compass cafes. Swing by beforehand to grab refreshing drinks, pick up a tasty growler for the crew, or fill up with Compass Cold Brew on Tap to keep your energy up all day.
Check out these amazing spots and Compass Cafe pairings:
Arthur Capper Recreation Center
1000 5th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Featuring 3 indoor wood courts with portable nets, this spot offers free paddles and balls to borrow, plus lessons if you're brand new. Swing by Compass Coffee at 82 I St SE for your pre-game boost. We recommend grabbing our brand new Cherry Vanilla Cream Cold Brew (with cold foam of course).
Our 82 I St SE Cafe
Kennedy Recreation Center
1407 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Two indoor courts with everything you need to get started. Friendly reminder, there’s a one-time fee to play. Fuel up first at Compass Coffee, just steps away at 1535 7th St NW. A Peach Mango Freeze is the perfect match for this adventure – since the court’s indoors, you don’t have to worry about it melting in the sun!
Our 1535 7th St NW Cafe
Hayes Park
1516 N Lincoln St, Arlington, VA 22201
Lighted courts mean evening play is a go until 11 p.m.! Plus, this vibrant park includes picnic shelters and a splash pad to cool down post-game. Visit the Compass Coffee at 3003 Washington Blvd to grab drinks for your evening matches. There’s absolutely nothing better than a late night sweet treat. Make it fruity by trying our Strawberry Dragonfruit Matcha. Take it all the way by adding cold foam!
Our 3003 Washington Blvd Cafe
Rose Park Recreation Center
2609 Dumbarton St NW, Washington, DC 20007
This quaint spot has an outdoor court perfect for casual play and good vibes. Stop at Compass Coffee on 2150 P St NW to stock up before hitting the court. What’s better than lemonade at a beautiful park? A Matcha Lemonade at a beautiful park. Earthy, tart, and keeps you caffeinated for a day of rallies.
Our 2150 P St NW Cafe
King Greenleaf Recreation Center
201 N St SW, Washington, DC 20024
With a mix of indoor and outdoor courts, this location is ideal for spontaneous pickleball adventures. Hydrate and caffeinate at Compass Coffee, conveniently located at 1201 Half St SE. Navy Yard? right by the water? Yea, this has Coconut Cream Cold Brew written all over it. Don’t forget the cold foam!
Our 1201 Half St SE. Navy Yard Cafe
Friendship Recreation Center
4500 Van Ness Street NW, Washington, DC 20016
Perfect for beginners, Friendship offers dedicated time for casual morning play. Compass Coffee at 4850 Massachusetts Ave NW is your go-to spot for morning Vanilla Cream Cold Brew and favorite pastries. There’s nothing like a little caffeine boost to help you feel like a pro, even if your serve says otherwise.
Our 4850 Massachusetts Ave cafe
Pickleball is super easy to pick up, and it's an awesome way to spend some quality outdoor time with friends. Whether you're showing off your backhand or just figuring out how to hold the paddle, it's low-stakes, high-fun, and a great excuse to get outside. At Compass, we’re all about helping you make the most of everyday moments like these. The ones that start with a text to the group chat and end with good coffee, good friends, and maybe a little friendly trash talk. So go ahead – grab your paddle, your favorite people, and a cold brew (or two).
